How Much Does a Helicopter Cost?

Me too. In fact, I’m sure lots of people have wondered about the cost of a helicopter. So I decided to do some research and write this article to give people a realistic ballpark figure on how much a helicopter actually does cost to buy. No more vague hand-waving gestures from friends or family members as they yell things ranging from thousands to millions. I’m going to start with the cost of a basic low-end helicopter and then work up to the more advanced and expensive helicopters. I will focus on the cost of a brand new helicopter and may give a rough estimate of the cost of used models, but that will obviously vary depending on size, price, and year.

Generally, the first thing to decide if you are looking at the cost of a helicopter is whether you are after a 2-seater or a larger multi-passenger model.

One of the most popular brands in the world when it comes to helicopters is the Robinson. Although Bell Helicopter at one time made more helicopters then any other company in the world (although this was primarily on the strength of the B206 JetRanger), Robinson helicopters are renown for costing less to buy and run—and being generally more economical whilst not detracting from quality.

Helicopter Prices by Model

Model

Price

Robinson R-22

$250,000

Robinson R-44 Raven I

$340,000

Robinson R-44 Raven II

$415,000

Bell B206 JetRanger

$700,000

Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Hummingbird

$1,700,000

Robinson R-22

Robinson R-22

Considered one of the world’s most economical helicopters, the R-22 carries a base list price of about $250,000 brand new. But there are many excellent deals to be found for good quality used R-22s, often starting from around $100,000 - $150,000. Due to the R-22’s cheap operating costs, it is often used as a training helicopter. The R-22 is a two-seater, making it light and giving it a very low inertia, allowing it to be extremely responsive to flight control inputs. In short, it is fun to fly. However, the R-22 is not forgiving of pilot error or sluggishness and is not recommended as a training helicopter due to this.

Cost: USD $250,000

Robinson R-44

Robinson R-44 Raven

The Robinson R-44 Raven line is a very popular choice among flying experts. Many argue it is the worlds best for personal ownership, regardless of the price. It has four seats and comes in two models, the Raven I and Raven II (with the Raven II being more expensive). It is heavier than the R-22 allowing it to ride through wind gusts and turbulence more solidly than the R-22. It is also much safer to fly as a ‘training helicopter’ for numerous reasons, but specifically, because it gives you several more seconds to activate what is called autorotation (used to land during an engine failure) which can only be a good thing.

Cost:

Raven I – USD $340,000

Raven II – USD $415,000

B206 JetRanger

Bell B206 JetRanger

The five-seater Bell B206 JetRanger is another very popular helicopter, both with military services and civilians. It has a two blade main rotor and a two blade tail rotor. This model and all of its variants are what has kept Bell Helicopters on par with the Robinson line. It does cost considerably more but is also a little larger than the R-44.

Cost: USD $700,000

EC120 Colibri Hummingbird

Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Hummingbird

The Eurocopter EC120 is a very quiet and comfortable helicopter, but it does come with the appropriate price tag that reflects its positives. With five seats and a single engine and rotor, it is a relatively light helicopter. It also implements numerous crash resistant systems for the seats and the fuel system.

Cost: USD $1,700,000

So in conclusion, if you're interested in getting a helicopter, then you are looking at anywhere from USD $250,000 – $1,700,000, depending if you want a little two-seater or want to go all the way up to a five-seater. Obviously there are numerous other factors to consider (training costs, operational costs, storage costs, etc), but hopefully you now have a good and realistic idea the upfront cost! Whether you were just curious, or are seriously considering buying one, it’s always a fun bit of trivia to know.

Questions & Answers

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sending

kyle\

4 weeks ago

nice ariticle

Steve B

2 months ago

It's about time someone put this list together. I've been chopper-shoppin' for months and couldn't find a good resource to compare the different makes and models. I was going to buy the Raven I, but I don't want to look cheap.

sunil jaiswal

2 months ago

can i buy a helicopter personally.

how much it cost in indian rupees

Kenneth Tetteh

3 months ago

This article is great

Najeebsanni

3 months ago

I want to be an aeronautic engineering please god help me with a helicopter

Braiden

3 months ago

I like helecopters

md saif

3 months ago

Insha Allah one day i will buy hlocptr

Sihail bhai

3 months ago

Helecoptare

ali

4 months ago

can u gift me a Helicopter.....

Anil kumre

5 months ago

It's my dream please God help me

Francis

6 months ago

We need this type of helicopter to fight crime in our country.

Arap Thuo

7 months ago

This is the nearest i have come to understanding the cost of buying a helicopter...How about operational cost like fuel, insurance and tax?

Olan

7 months ago

Thank you very much,

finally a clear article about this topic.

Good Flight at averyone !

MEL

7 months ago

Tuesday, May,29.2018 - GOOD JOB, Tomsum ! I was looking for these information and I found your research on google.

Really HELPFUL ! BE BLESSED !

Levi Tucker

8 months ago

How much is a Agustawestland AW139 Turbine Helicopter.

teensavage

8 months ago

most likey buying a helicopter in the future they are so affordable not even funny one would think they are expensive

Guadalupe Jurado

8 months ago

Why does this cost so much to rent one

Afzal Hussain

9 months ago

Very nice I like a bell206 jetRanger

José tafur

9 months ago

Cicare helicopters from 80.0000 to 150.000 from Meza Arizona

Rajesh Aggarwal

10 months ago

I always dreamt about buying a "Flying Bird".. Definitely its a great information very helpful to achieve my "Goal". Of course there are certain reservations also like pilot salary Hanger charges License etc... anyway all the information is really "Great.... atleast one can dream to have one

Rajesh Aggarwal

India

11 months ago

Wow it's reasonable cost. I will buy in future

GYAN

14 months ago

Wow... My dream may be fulfilled in near future because of its price range..

Rahul raikwar

16 months ago

My dream that i want to buy any one of them in future

venky

17 months ago

My ever dream to buy this collibri humming bird is very nice.please help me god to make it occupied

Pakistan

17 months ago

I will buy ;) ;)

Heidar Rasteh

20 months ago

Thank you Tomsum, your research on helicopter prices was useful for me.

Kindly yours

Heidar

vitaliabits

3 years ago

How lovely how nice?

Josie

4 years ago

wow! i want to buy the Colibri Hummingbird. it looks like my style!!

Muktar Hossain

4 years ago

wow!! Its a great..................lol

Faizan

4 years ago

Actually, firstly when i

Abdillah Mabrouk

4 years ago

thank you,i always wondered ,how much these things cost!

only wishies were horses.........!

nakesh nair

5 years ago

It's very beautiful but no prices in Indian currency

geoenvirons

5 years ago

hi , kamal are u buying one and thinking it to take nepal..i am from nepal too..its too expensive..but we are crazy to buy it...so plz let me know i want to know..how u goin to decide...

Denni

6 years ago

Ask and it is given.

Raby

6 years ago

this is it

KAMAL

6 years ago

CAN WE BRING IT TO NEPAL

Rose

6 years ago

Thanks.Though thinking more on the line of a Sikorsky, an S-76 or S-92.They look more stable and secure,what do you think?

mrrainp

6 years ago

I want to buy the latest one

bob

6 years ago

thank you, this was very helpful!

rodrigo

6 years ago

Very cool

John Janiszewski

7 years agofrom Flushing, Michigan

cool hub! you can build your own home built experimental helicopter for about 65K. Just google "rotorway helicopter". It has a FEDEC controlled piston engine. If I was rich I would buy one :)

Emma

7 years agofrom Houston TX

Thanks for article. atleast it will help most of us who have interest in buying it.

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